Are We Idolaters? by Ivar F. Witting

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 24, 1910

Are We Idolaters?

By Ivar F. Witting

IVAR F. WITTING

SOME years ago I visited Columbo, on the island of Ceylon, and in my sightseeing went into a Buddhist temple, having first obtained permission from the priests, and from the guard of British soldiers stationed outside to protect Europeans. A fanatical, fierce-looking priest, clothed in long yellow robes, led the way as guide, and a stalwart British soldier with loaded rifle and formidable bayonet followed behind, not for a moment losing sight of us.

We came to a large table covered with a cloth. In front of the altar stood a small image of Buddha. Great reverence was shown this hideous little image. Numerous worshipers passed by, each placing, as a sign of adoration, a lovely, sweet-smelling lotus flower on the table. Some brought armfuls of the flowers, others only a petal or two. But every one who passed was expected to bring a flower, or a part of a flower, and lay it on the table. The soldier reminded me that I “had better put my collection on the counter;” and as in those days I was an infidel, I complied, some cynical remark escaping my lips at the same time.

Often, in later years, have I thought of that occurrence, especially since, by the grace of God, I have become a Christian.

An important principle was involved in that apparently simple act. By placing a flower, or even part of a flower, on that table, I virtually worshiped that idol: Many a time since then have I found myself in a similar position,—not that I have been called on to bow down before a god made of marble, ivory, ebony, or gold; but often has occasion arisen to show my regard for idols of a different kind.

The idols that Christians must guard against worshiping are often hard to detect. They may be cunningly disguised. Often those who pass by do not perceive the monster at all, as, unsuspecting, they step to the table, and deposit their contributions. What a sad procession—some bringing armfuls, others less, each according to their devotion and their means, and not one in ten thousand seeing the real idol, Satan, and refusing to worship him!

In that heathen temple, some bowed before the table because they actually believed in the helpless little image. Some paid their tribute from habit, others from selfish motives, others from fear. Some worshiped because others did so; some because their relatives and friends were there; some from ignorance or carelessness; many gave no thought at all to the matter.

Brother, sister, have you ever seen such tables in your life? Are you, perhaps at this moment, standing in the crowd, waiting for your turn to come, that you may pay tribute to the idol of your heart? These altars are found everywhere. They may not be seen, the idols may be hidden, the whole atmosphere in the temple may be pervaded with a delusive and intoxicating perfume, very pleasing to the natural heart. Everything may be designed to deceive, fascinate, and bewitch the senses. The whole earth is full of these temples; in every country, every city, every village, every hamlet, they are found.

Self is the greatest idol. Did you ever see a temple erected to this god? Did you ever see people bow down at a table before him? Did you ever leave your tribute on his altar? Why should you despise the Buddhist in far-off India if you are engaged in similar worship? Ah, if we would be honest with ourselves, and call things by their right names!

There are many other idols,—money, perverted appetite, novel reading, amusements, jesting, joking, criticizing, fault-finding, etc. Are you standing near these tables?

Let us awaken out of the sleepy condition in which we find ourselves. Let us analyze our position, and pray that God will open our eyes so that we may perceive these hideous idols. Let us beseech God for discernment. We must wake up, and refuse to place even the smallest offering on the altars of sin, shunning the very appearance of evil. We must move from principle, regardless of the consequences. Ridicule, hatred, persecution—what do they matter? Let us be like Daniel, remembering that the same God who was with him is with us. He will do for us what he did for Daniel, if we will stand as bravely and as fearlessly for the right as did he. He will honor the true and loyal.